Best Ivan Potocnik & Steve Jones Podcasts (2024)

1
So Long and Thanks For All The Crits (Final Episode) 18:16

2y ago18:16

18:16

I won't bore you with an overly-verbose description for this one. I'll only use this opportunity to say THANK YOU for accompanying us on this grand journey, and we hope that your next session is the best one yet. -Ivan & SteveBy Ivan Potocnik & Steve Jones

1
Ep 61 - Bright Lights, Big City (Playing In City Settings) 56:19

2y ago56:19

56:19

Do your players (or yourself as a player) behave differently when your PCs enter a city, village, or township? Today we're discussing some of the unique challenges of playing in a city setting. We go in-depth on how specific game times associated with city play differ from a traditional gaming model which heavily incorporates the TTRPG pillar of ex…

1
Ep 60 - Campaign Length (and Knowing When To Quit) 48:43

2y ago48:43

48:43

To have the problem of finishing a campaign milestone and have your players still wanting more, even though the story is over, is a much better problem to have than your players being bored because there is no end in sight. How many campaigns have you been a part of that have languished and died because of a lack of payoff. Is your gaming group los…

1
Ep 59 - No-Combat Sessions 47:18

2y ago47:18

47:18

Do you ever run entire sessions without a combat encounter? This week we analyze how varying level of combat work in your TTRPG games. We discuss engaging the players in a way that simulates the thrill of combat but in social and exploration encounters. We also talk about the message of "might makes right" and how realism can affect players' enthus…

1
Ep 58 - Alex Clippinger: Game Design & Adapting 5e 55:38

2y ago55:38

55:38

The incredible and prolific TTRPG designer, Alex Clippinger has joined us this week to give us an inside look into Cubicle 7's new project, Broken Weave, drop some game design knowledge, and talk through some of the benefits and pitfalls of adapting Dungeons & Dragons: Fifth Edition. This was a fantastic conversation covering several topics includi…

1
Ep 57 - Factions, Guilds, & Other Affiliations 36:51

2y ago36:51

36:51

Is your TTRPG character affiliated with anything larger than themselves or the party they roll with (heheh puns)? This week we cover TTRPG factions, guilds, and other big-picture affiliations. We discuss how they can provide scope, inform character backstory, create fascinating and useful narrative drivers for your campaigns, and much more. Website…

1
Ep 56 - GM Fiat (And Deus Ex Machina) 45:49

2y ago45:49

45:49

What would you do if your GM said "because I said so" during a session? Talking about when GMs flex their table authority 'just because.' There are two sides of the GM using unilateral decision making, and we investigate both the positive and the negative aspects of this contentious issue. We talk through deus ex machina and offer our hot takes on …

1
Ep 55 - Storybuilding Vs Storytelling 48:43

2y ago48:43

48:43

This week we talk about the ancient and honored tradition of human storytelling, its base components, what defines a great storyteller, and how all of this applies to the TTRPG experience. We discuss how examining this discipline can improve our games, and how the idea of collaborative storytelling (i.e., story building) has evolved to accommodate …

1
Ep 54 - SPECIAL #RPGaDAY2022 Pt. 2 41:24

2y ago41:24

41:24

Part two of our special 2-part series where we give our answers (and encourage you to give yours) to the questions presented from #RPGaDay2022, an annual celebration of tabletop roleplaying games conceptualized by @autocratik which you can find at https://www.autocratik.com. In part one we answer the first 16 questions from this highly hash-tag-abl…

1
Ep 53 - SPECIAL #RPGaDAY2022 Pt. 1 1:11:15

2y ago1:11:15

1:11:15

A special 2-part series where we give our answers (and encourage you to give yours) to the questions presented from #RPGaDay2022, an annual celebration of tabletop roleplaying games conceptualized by @autocratik which you can find at https://www.autocratik.com. In part one we answer the first 16 questions from this highly hash-tag-able social exper…

1
Ep 52 - Taverns (and Other TTRPG Waypoints) 1:10:53

2y ago1:10:53

1:10:53

Discussing everyone's favorite stomping ground, tabletop roleplaying game taverns. We cover a lot of ground ranging from tips and advice on how to keep your players on their toes, to how we think adding extra flavor to a tavern setting can prevent this part of gaming from becoming just another uninteresting place to take a long rest. NPC generation…

1
Ep 51 - Lore 55:07

2y ago55:07

55:07

This week we cover the importance of a tabletop roleplaying game's setting lore. We discuss why we think it's sometimes neglected and cover the potential risks of not being wholly acquainted with your in-game world. We touch on topics such as setting uniqueness, campaign scope, bringing real-world assumptions into sessions, the loremaster player ar…

1
Ep 50 - Ask A GM (Getting To Know Us: Redux) 1:40:06

2y ago1:40:06

1:40:06

At the behest of several listeners, we're finally doing a general "Getting To Know Us" episode. In this episode we talk briefly about our roots, who we are, and what led us to gaming. The majority of the episode is comprised of individual questions from listeners and friends of the show that had questions for us as GMs that they might otherwise not…

1
Ep 49 - Diseases, Curses, and Other Afflictions in TTRPG 1:05:10

2y ago1:05:10

1:05:10

This week we cover incorporating diseases, curses, maladies, and other general afflictions into your tabletop roleplaying games. We analyze why we think this aspect of gaming doesn't get as much love as it should and talk about some interesting ways to make it work at your table. We go over how to run diseases and curses, pick apart how they can af…

1
Ep 48 - Life Skills Gained From TTRPGs 1:00:03

2y ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Having a meaningful discussion about how skills and experiences at the tabletop roleplaying game table can apply to one's 'real life.' We cover career impacts, its influence on self-improvement and self-exploration, how it can aid in developing and nurturing strong interpersonal relationships, its applications in psychotherapy, using it as a tool f…

1
Ep 47 - TTRPG Travel (Making It Meaningful) 51:36

2y ago51:36

51:36

In this episode we're asking important questions about traveling in tabletop roleplaying games. We go in-depth into the handwaving paradigm, why we think that is, and methods you can employ to make it a more meaningful part of your table experience. We also discuss some of our favorite travel systems from games, how we've hacked them to work for us…

1
Ep 46 - Resuscitating A Campaign (After Time Off) 42:51

2y ago42:51

42:51

We talk about getting your campaign back on track after a layoff, whether that be a week, a month, a year, or beyond. We address some of the challenges of getting players re-bought in , how to set the table for the best possible return experience, and some of the things that can kill a campaign. We also cover some new TTRPG releases and the return …

1
Ep 45 - Splitting The Party 56:01

2y ago56:01

56:01

In this episode we cover some of the strategies behind, and the implications of, splitting your TTRPG party. We discuss how it can help expedite the action, but also increase work load and slow down your pacing. We go in-depth with several person and listener-sourced examples and dig into when splitting the party may be a good idea and when it may …

1
Ep 44 - Session Length (What's Ideal) 40:59

2y ago40:59

40:59

NEW COVER ART This week we're talking about what makes for an ideal session length? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of shorter vs longer sessions. Do we still have it in us to run marathon sessions that last the whole weekend? Tune in for insights on how to structure your games for time, TTRPG news, listener feedback, and more. Tw…

1
Ep 43 - Bringing Roleplay To Non-TTRPG Activities 49:50

2y ago49:50

49:50

We cover bringing elements and tools from your TTRPG kit into other activities like board games, video games, fantasy sports, sex, and much more. We cover some of the tenets of how ascribing meaning through narrative and roleplay can help you build better memories with the things you love. Twitter: @passive_podcast Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail…

1
Ep 42 - To BBEG or not to BBEG? 50:58

2y ago50:58

50:58

This week we cover the story significance of adding a Big Bad Evil Guy (BBEG) to your campaign. We also discuss the non-literal interpretation of the concept, goal-oriented play, and providing context and significance to your in-game actions. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.com…

1
Ep 41 - House Rules 47:18

2y ago47:18

47:18

Discussing some of the more interesting house rules we know about, why we believe rules tweaking can benefit your games, and how sometimes customizing rules can be for all the wrong reasons. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.comBy Ivan Potocnik & Steve Jones

1
Ep 40 - Playing To Lose & Failing Forward 46:56

2y ago46:56

46:56

This episode is about redefining how we view personal failure in our TTPRG sessions, and how reframing the concept can open up whole new worlds of opportunity for the players at your table. Also, listener feedback, and TTRPG news. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.comBy Ivan Potocnik & Steve Jones

1
Ep 39 - Fudging & Rolling In The Open 53:25

2+ y ago53:25

53:25

Clickity clack! When dice attack! This week we talk about the very contentious topic of fudging rolls. We also cover some alternative ways to use dice at your table and their impacts, including rolling in the open vs behind a screen, and player-facing systems of conflict resolution. A brief review of DREAD, addressing listener feedback, and TTRPG n…

1
Ep 38 - Saying NO 58:00

2+ y ago58:00

58:00

Discussing the sometimes difficult but sometimes necessary act of telling your players (or even your GM) NO. When is it appropriate and when does it require an explanation? Also, we dig into listener feedback and TTRPG news. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.comBy Ivan Potocnik & Steve Jones

1
Ep 37 - The Duality of Humor 55:17

2+ y ago55:17

55:17

Discussing the double edged sword that is the witting (and sometimes unwitting) inclusion of humor into your TTRPG sessions. We investigate where the line is when it becomes too much, the nature of the sliding scale of tone, and the possible implications they can have on your games. We also cover some listener feedback and TTRPG news. || Twitter: @…

1
Ep 36 - DIY Publishing & Zines (/w Eric Swanson of Narrative Dynamics) 1:02:51

2+ y ago1:02:51

1:02:51

We have a conversation with very special guest, Eric Swanson. Eric is a TTRPG developer, illustrator, editor, DIY publisher, and the list goes on! In this episode we discuss the impacts of crowdfunding, democratization of development, tips for getting your first product to market, and much more. Eric even has a curated list of his own Dusty Stack g…

1
Ep 35 - Theater Of The Mind Vs Visual Aids 53:53

2+ y ago53:53

53:53

This week we fall down the rabbit hole discussing the advantages of honing your skills using theater of the mind, and how it compares against using tactical maps, minis, and other player aids. We also do some follow-up on last week's episode on GM burnout and cover recent TTRPG news || Steve's Article On 3D Printing PPE: https://romesentinel.com/st…

1
Ep 34 - GM Burnout 58:23

2+ y ago58:23

58:23

Discussing the tolls of mental exhaustion, and how that can translate in to affecting our games. We rap about some of the causes of, and coping strategies for, when you're feeling creatively burnt out || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.comBy Ivan Potocnik/Steve Jones

1
Ep 33 - TTRPGs As Education (/w Michael Low of Luck of Legends) 1:02:10

2+ y ago1:02:10

1:02:10

"School is a badly designed game." Today we're talking with very special guest, Michael Low. Michael Is an educator, game designer, and leading innovator in using TTRPGs as a tool for learning. We talk about the common ground between TTRPGs and education, how it's currently being utilized, and its vast potential to improve the learning landscape fo…

1
Ep 32 - Running A Mystery 48:34

2+ y ago48:34

48:34

Discussing our thoughts and weirdly idiosyncratic opinions on what it takes to run a successful TTRPG mystery. Covering the importance of keeping things fresh and varied, and outlining how easy it is to mess up. Plus, some TTRPG news.By Ivan Potocnik & Steve Jones

1
Ep 31 - Pacing (And Why It's Important) 42:07

2+ y ago42:07

42:07

Talking about pacing and how both GMs and players alike can promote tighter games by staying aware of this key concept, plus some suggestions for nailing it. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.comBy Ivan Potocnik & Steve Jones

1
Ep 30 - Running Away (From Encounters) 43:04

2+ y ago43:04

43:04

Fly, you fools! This week we discuss incorporating 'unwinnable' encounters (both social and combat) into your sessions and campaigns and the tonal, and narrative advantages of doing so. We go over when we think it's appropriate to bolt from an encounter and how we can facilitate that understanding both as players and as GMs. || Twitter: @passive_po…

1
Ep 29 - Character Backgrounds 42:29

2+ y ago42:29

42:29

Backstory Vs. 'Forestory'. This week we're discussing the process and impact of developing your character's backstory. We cover the merits and pitfalls of having a robust, pre-written backstory as well as the advantages of taking a more collaborative approach at the table. All mixed in with a little TTRPG news and the absurdity you have grown to ex…

1
Ep 28 - Metacurrency 59:10

2+ y ago59:10

59:10

On this episode we cover various systems of TTRPG metacurrency. We also discuss whether or not it's appropriate to distribute metacurrency based on merit/behavior, and the implications of defining either objective or subjective standards for rewarding players at the table. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.com…

1
Ep 27 - Rewards (Quests & Adventures) 56:13

2+ y ago56:13

56:13

Join us as we discuss unique and story-driving ways to provide quest and adventure rewards that separate themselves from the typical gold/experience paradigm. We systematically analyze a gamut of ways to reward players while identifying what makes said rewards relevant to your PCs' goals and motivations. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passi…

1
Ep 26 - Built Different (Alternate Character Generation) 1:07:25

2+ y ago1:07:25

1:07:25

This week's episode is about using the widely varying and sometimes alternative methods of generating a character in your favorite TTRPGs. We answer some listener feedback from @Ivrione on Twitter, and go in-depth about our experience with Twilight 2000's lifepath character generation system. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@p…

1
Ep 25 - Starting New Systems 52:06

2+ y ago52:06

52:06

Today we're talking about some of the stresses behind and strategies for more successfully bringing brand new systems to the table. We discuss the shifting responsibility for learning rules, how to navigate first sessions when no one at the table is familiar with the system, and the merits of broadening your repertoire. || Twitter: @passive_podcast…

1
Happy New Year! 5:34

2+ y ago5:34

5:34

We're taking a week off! Here's a brief message from a very groggy Ivan and a new track from John Potocnik's new album, Tunes From Pleasant Valley. This album is released completely royalty free for use in videos, podcasts, streaming, or however you see fit. Available anywhere you get your music. || Tunes From Pleasant Valley: https://open.spotify.…

1
Ep 24 - Deities & Pantheons 38:06

2+ y ago38:06

38:06

This week we're discussing deities in TTRPGs, and how a pantheon can pivotally affect the nature of a campaign. We discuss objective morality and what part in-game gods play in defining it. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.comBy Ivan Potocnik & Steve Jones

1
Ep 23 - Party Balance 49:58

2+ y ago49:58

49:58

We're talking about party balance, reconciling differences between party members both mechanical and narrative in nature, and when the 'why' of character generation over the 'how.' We also field some questions from listeners @KailaEvansDM of @cotdnd, and @grenchaw. Finally, we're feature a special track at the end of the episode from Ivan's father,…

1
Ep 22 - Railroads Vs Sandboxes 41:51

2+ y ago41:51

41:51

We compare highly linear storytelling against open-world methods of running a game and their respective advantages and disadvantages. We cover how to best incorporate principles from each into your sessions and the importance of making player-driven action both relevant and significant. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonm…

1
Ep 21 - Improv 50:45

2+ y ago50:45

50:45

We're talking improv! We go over some of the core tenets of improv and how they apply to the overall TTRPG experience. We discuss the commonalities, differences, the act of listening, agreement, facilitating the story, and much more. || Improv List: https://www.jesterzimprov.com/fundamental-improv-principles/ || @RPGrenadePod: https://linktr.ee/Rol…

1
Ep 20 - Wealth Systems 39:38

2+ y ago39:38

39:38

We discuss in-game currency, and the difference between granular systems and overarching wealth systems. We talk about some of the potential pitfalls of each and how to best incorporate them into your games in a meaningful way. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.com || YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/papat0k || Logo …

1
Ep 19 - Downtime 44:15

2+ y ago44:15

44:15

We're talking about downtime! We hit on topics such as how to make things more story relevant, where to draw the line so it doesn't become rote or monotonous, and much more. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.com || YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/papat0k || Logo By O_Oblique: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3clQyg…

1
Ep 18 - Dusty Stack #2 54:56

2+ y ago54:56

54:56

We're revisiting our Dusty Stacks! This time around we're discussing six games that we're dying to play, and their individualities that make them so compelling. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.com || YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/papat0k || Logo By O_Oblique: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3clQyg-hJNTFNNvydS6…

1
Ep 17 - Metagaming 43:04

2+ y ago43:04

43:04

This time around we're discussing metagaming! We theorize on when metagaming stops being harmless fun and starts being disruptive to the table. We also talk about ways to make players' outside knowledge work narratively. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.com || YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/papat0k || Logo By O_Ob…

1
Ep 16 - VTTs Vs In-Person 57:12

2+ y ago57:12

57:12

This week we're discussing the merits and the downfalls of using virtual table tops vs playing your game in-person. We also do an in-depth answer for a question posed to us from listener Joshua H. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.com || YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/papat0k || Logo By O_Oblique: https://www.youtu…

1
Ep 15 - Puzzles 49:22

2+ y ago49:22

49:22

In this episode we cover our philosophies on puzzles and how to better integrate them into your games. We touch on effective strategies for increasing player buy-in and the conditions that need to be met in order to harness the power of a good puzzle, riddle, or trap. || Twitter: @passive_podcast || Email: passiveaggropod@protonmail.com || YouTube:…

1
Ep 14 - Horror 43:03

3y ago43:03

43:03

This time around we're talking about incorporating horror and elements of horror into your tabletop games. We discuss how to mix things up with swerves away from the expected, its potential impact on players, and how we tend to view it as a tool for building stronger narrative experiences. || Horror in D&D series: franfranatus || False Hydra Mini: …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ivan Potocnik & Steve Jones Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide